Automatic electric regulator



Feb. 4, 1930. J. PzouT 1,745,447

AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC REGULATOR Filed May 10, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet. l

Feb. 4, 1930. J. PEouT 1,745,447

AUTOMATI C ELECTRIC REGULATOR gmeni o'c Jai 7250a Feb. 4, 1930. J. PEOUT 1,745,447

AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC REGULATOR Filed May 10, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Inventor T702" as an? Attornqy Patented Feb. 4, 1930 PATENT OFFICE JOHN PESOU'I, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC REGULATOR Application filed May 10, 1928. Serial 1T0. 276,639.

The present invention relates to improvements in automatic electric regulators for regulating electrical current supplied to motors of alternating or direct current types,

and which includes means for automatically starting, accelerating, and simultaneously protecting the motor, or any other device, with which the same is associated during the running period thereof.

This improved regulator may be elficiently employed in association with motor generator sets, synchronous condensers, converters, etc. and is employable in lieu of variable rheostats now employed extensively.

The invention briefly consists of an electromagnetically operated plunger, said plunger being slidable within a guide tube which is provided at its lower end with a dash pot adapted to contain mercury or some other 0 electric conductive liquid, and further provided with a resistor located in communication with the dash pot with a member operable through the same, and actuated by the magnetically operated plunger for varying the level of the conductive liquid, for cutting in or out of circuit, the aforementioned resistor.

The prime object of this invention is to provide a device of the above character capable of regulating the current to electrical devices with which the same is associated, in a novel and more efiicient manner, than devices of this nature heretofore developed.

Another important object is to provide an automatically operated resistor for an electrical circuit, the resistance of which is varied in accordance with the fluctuation of current or voltage, or both, across the device with which the same is associated.

Still another object resides in the provision of an automatic device of the nature set out, which is employable in lieu of the conventional hand operated rheostats now in general use.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the same is better understood from the following specification and claims.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view through the preferred form or this invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken substantially on the line 22 of Fig. 1, and looking in the direction of the arrow.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view, 5 taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of the present device, and disclosin the preferred means for automatically refeasing the float member when the electro-magnetically 69 operated plunger is de-cnergized.

Fig. 5 represents a cross sectional view of the above release means, and is taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a fragmentary portion of a modified form of a float release means. I

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially on line 7-7of Figure 8 thru a fragmentary portion of the resistor elew ments employed in the preferred form.

Fig. 8 represents a cross sectional view thru the above resistor.

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view thru a structure adapted in lieu in above resistor.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view thru a fragmentary portion of a still further modified form of the present invention.

Fig. 12 presents a longitudinal sectional view through a fragmentary portion of a still further from of he resistor.

Fig. 13 is a cross sectional View through the last mentioned form of resistor.

Fig. 14: is a diagrammatic view of the resister structure disclosed in Fig. 9.

Fig. 15 is another diagrammatic view of the resistance arrangement associated with a the structure disclosed in Fig. 9.

Now for a more detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts. The reference will first be made to the diagrammatic view disclosed in Fig. 16 for the purpose of setting out the manner in which the present invention is employed in connection with electrical devices.

In this view, an electrical magnetic device 1 has a current supply line 2 in series across its terminals. A resistor device 3 includes a pair of parallel related resistance bodies 44, while a conductive liquid 5 is contained within a suitable chamber, so that means 0perable by the actuation of the electro-magnet 1 will raise the level of the liquid to short circuit the body 4-4 to reduce the resistance path of the current tothe terminal 6 of the particular electrical device 7, wlth which the present regulator is connected. I

Supplemental to'this arrangement, a pair of electrodes 1818, are arranged at the to of the resistance bodies in contact therewit and disposed with their inner ends in spaced relation, so that when the liquid 5 is'elevated to a level submerging or partly submerging the electrodes 8, the current on the power line will have a direct connection across the terminals of the electrodes to the device 7.

In more specifically describing the preferred form of this invention, reference is now made to Fig. 1. wherein a magnetic coil 9 is arranged within a metallic casing 10. This magnetic coil is formed with an open core. which is lined by a metallic tubing 11. A threaded plug 12 is secured within the upper open end of the core for permanently closing the same. while a sleeve 13 is secured to the lower end of the coil, in aligned communication with the lining 11.

It is desired that the sleeve 13 be of a suitable insulating material, or may -in fact, be insulated in a proper manner from the coil at its upper end and from the resistor 3 and the electrodes 1818 at its lower end. The resistor 3 includes a shell 14 of suitable insulating material and is reduced in circumference at its lower portion to provide a depending dash pot 15.

As disclosed in Fig. 7, a pair ofelongated resistance members 16-16 are provided, the

same being substantially arcuate and arranged in cylindrical formation with elongated strips 1717 of insulating material and also of arcuate cross section, interposed between the opposed longitudinaledges of said resistant members for spacing the same apart. 4

Arranged at the top of the shell 14 and projecting into' the same from opposite sides thereof, is a pair of electrodes 1818, which are arranged with their inner end portions provided with semi-circular extensions 19. The terminals of these semi-circular extensions are adapted to be disposed in close spaced relation and in the manenr shown in Fig; 2, wherein a circular opening is maintained, so that the bore through the resistor 3 will be uninterrupted.

As before mentioned, a suitable quantity of a conductive liquid, such as mercury, is placed within the dash pot' 15, and is caused to rise between the resistance mem ers to short circuit the same by the novel means to be fully described hereinafter.

This means includes a plan er constructed of suitable magnetic ermea le metal, for operable association with the magnet 1. An elongated cylinder 21 of insulating material is constructed of light material and capable of floating upon the liquid contained within the dash pot. An elongated rod 22 is secured at its upper end to the lower end of the plunger 20, while at its lower end, the shoulder 23is formed.

The upperend of this shoulder is gradually flared from the rod 22 in the manner shown in- Fig. 4, while the lower end of the shoulder provides a surface at right angles to the disposition of'the rod. A trip mechanism is associated with the float and rod members, and is disclosed in Fig. 4, the same including a pair of togglemembers 2424, each arranged at its intermediate portion with a substantially square frame, 25.

The toggle members are pivotally connected at the intermediate portions of the square frame portions so as to provide a space through which the lower portion of the rod 22 may depend.

One of said toggle members is pivotally connected to a stud 26 secured to the lower end of the float member 21, while the upper end of the complementary toggle member is pivotally connected to a latch plate 27, which projects beyond the lower opening of the bore through the floatable cylinder 21.

It is desired that the lower portion of the bore to the cylinder 21 be provided with longitudinally extending ribs 29 formed with arcuate outer surfaces to guide the lower end of the rod 22, concentrically through the lower end of the bore. A ring 30, Fig. 1. of conductive material is arranged within the resistor and around the float 21.

In starting the electrical device with which the regulator is associated, the current to the device is closed by a suitable switch 32. The above described regulator is interposed in this current supply circuit in the manner particularly adaptable to various types of electrical devices. with which this regulator .may be associated.

Before starting, the plunger 20 is in its lowermost position and the floatable cylinder 21 is floating upon the mercury as shown in Fig. 1. When the switch is closed, all the resistance is in circu1t, the float being at its uppermost position within the resistor. the metallic plunger together with the rod 22, is drawn upwardly, the plunger being attracted to the coil due to the strong magnetic attraction thereof. The metallic plug 12, and the metallic casing 10, will assist in producing a stronger magnetic flux, and the plug 12, also serving to limit the upward movement of said plunger within the coil.

As the motor begins to accelerate, less cu'r rent flows through the coil and consequently less magnetic flux exists to act upon the plunger 20, which in turn, starts to descend. On its downward motion, the lower end of the rod 22 engages with the latch plate 27 and acontinuing downward movement thereof, under the weight of the plunger, will result in the forcing downwardly of floatable cylinder 21 into'the mercury.

This Will result in the raising of the mercury between the opposed resistances 16-16, obviously resulting in the cutting-out of some of the resistance of the circuit. This increases the voltage across the motor terminals, and speeds up the former. The result is the lowering of the current through the coil 9 and the descent of the plunger 20 and the rod 22.

The mercury will by this movement, be caused to rise further between the resistance members.

WVhen the motor reaches its normal speed, the current flowing through the coil, will be at minimum, for a given load. By this time, practically all the resistance has been cut out, the lower end of the rod 22, will be at a point directly above the bottom of the dash pot 15, with the shoulder 23 resting lightly on the latch plate 27. The mercury being almost entirely displaced by the immersed float 21, will cause the surface thereof to bridge the extensions 19-19 of the electrode members 18-18, thus providing a path of a very low resistance between the terminals thereof.

If desired in instances where extremely high current carrying capacity may be desired, a heavy metallic ring 30, may be arranged around the float 21, for floating disposition on the surface of the mercury. This ring having a much lower specific gravity than mercury, will obviously follow the level of the mercury as the same rises between the resistant elements, and will contact with the respective electrode extensions 19-19, to provide a positive metallic connection to the electrical device.

On running position, the magnetic flux produced by the coil 9 is so adjusted that at no load, that, is motor runningidle, it is just suflicient to prevent plunger 20 from pressing with too much force upon the latch plate 27.

Should the motor be overloaded, plunger 20* and the float 21 will rise, thus lowering the level of the mercury and. breaking the connection between the electrodes 18-18.

The lowering of the mercury level. will cut the resistance 16-16 in circuit. Should a heavy overload stop the motor entirely, all the resistance 16-16 will be cut in circuit, by the plunger 20 being drawn completely into the coil, thus limiting the current flowing through the motor to a comparatively safe value. By removing the excessive load, the regulator will automatically start, accelerate, and run the motor anew.

To stop the motor, operator pulls'the knife switch before mentioned. This will interrupt the curent in coil 9, and consequently there will be no magnetic action on plunger 20, the weight of which will cause a further downward movement of the float 21 and the depressing of the toggle members 24-24.

y depressing these members, the latch plate 27 will be caused to slide outwardly, disengaging the outer end therefrom from contact with the shoulder 23 of the rod 22. The float member will now be free to rise to the surfaceof the mercury, obviously resulting in the lowering of the mercury and the spacing of the resistance 16-16.

In this descent, the ring 30 will follow downwardly, breaking the connection between the electrodes 18-18 and subsequently all the resistance will be cut in. The lower end of therod 22 will press upon the bottom of the dash pot 15. In this manner the moving parts of the regulator will be returned to the position as before starting.

From the preceding description, it is evident that the rate of acceleration of a motor controlled with this current regulator will be automatically adjusted in proportion to the load, so that a minimum starting time, with a predetermined starting current at any load up to capacity, will be obtained. Arcing between the surface ofthe mercury and the electrodes 18-18, as well as between the resistance members 16-16, will practically be eliminated since the final opening of the circuit is outside the regulator.

The small amount of oil 31 on the surface of the mercury, will lubricate the ring 30, and at the same time. will decrease the slight tendency to are. The oil will also protect the surface of the mercury from oxidizing.

Due to its automatic characteristics, this regulator can be employed to advantage in combination with magnetic switches of the remote control type, doing away in most cases with the no-voltage protection, as well as overload relays such as are employed at the present time. Furthermore, it can substitute the more expensive direct current and alternating current automatic starting switches now on the market.

In Figs. 9 and 10, there is disclosed a structure adapted for substitution in lieu of the resistor employed in the regulator disclosed in Fig. 1. This structure consists of a plurality of annular contact members, constructed of carbon, iron or like material arranged in piled formation, and each separated by a suitable insulating washer.

The annular contact members 36 are each provided with an outstanding lug 38, while between adjacent lugs, which are arranged in stepped relation as disclosed in Fig. 9, are connected resistant elements, disclosed diagrammatically in Figs. 14 and 15. The insulating washers 37 insulate the contact members from each other, so that the circuit, when the conductive liquid is at low level, is across the lugs 38. V

In Figs. 12 and 13, a modified form of resistor is disclosed, wherein a pair of resistant strips 3939 are arranged in spiral formation. These strips are arranged in interposed relation, and are separated from each other by an insulating strip 40. This form of resistor may be employed if desired in lieu of the resistor disclosed in Fig. l.

A slightly modified form of the trip mechanism is disclosed in Fig. 6, wherein the bottom of the dash pot 15 is formed with the raised portion 16 having an inverted conical shaped recess 17-, formed therein. The lower end of the rotatable cylinder 21 has a plate 18 secured so that its inner end will project beyond the lower end of the here. A leaf spring 19 is secured at one end to the lower end of the float and is adapted to extend upwardly within the bore'thereof. The projecting portion of this spring is preferably arcuate so that in the downward movement of the bar 21, the same will be urged toward one side of the bore, so that the shoulder thereon will rest upon the projecting end of the plate 18'.

The end portion of the bar 21' is pointed as at 22' so that when the shoulder is in supported position upon the projecting end of the plate 18', the point end of the rod will depend a slight distance into the recess 17 and in eccentric position with respect thereto.

Obviously, when the plunger 20 is released by the de-energization of the coil 9, a downward movement thereof, will cause the displacement of the lower portion of the rod from supported position on the end of the plate 18'. By this actionithe flpat will be allowed to rise, and the mercury to descend into the dashpot.

Still another form of the invention is disclosed in Fig. 11, wherein a regulator is provided more especially adapted for electric generators. In this construction, a shell 33 is reduced at its lower end portion to provide a dash pot 34. The piston 35 is fixed to the rod connecting to the plunger 20, and is of cylindrical formation.

Normally, when the piston is disposed within the coil 1, or partially therein, the cylinder 35, will be disposed in a corresponding position, within the conductive liquid, obviously resulting in the level disposition of the liquid in strict accordance with the position of the magnetic responsive plunger 20.

In this manner, the current, or voltage of the generator is automatically balanced and adjusted. The working parts thereof are to be manufactured in proportion to the size and shape of the working parts of the motor regulator disclosed in Fig. 1, so that the various parts may be interchangeable when itis desired to construct a regulator serviceable for. either the two purposes.

Furthermore, sultable adjustment may be made in the present invention, to a certain extent by one or more of the following modifications in the structure thereof. First, by changing the shape of the coil 9; secondly, by changing the number of current wires on the coil 9; and thirdly, by changing the reluctance of the magnetic circuit; fourthly, by chang ing the length of the rod 22; fifthly by varying the weight of the moving parts; sixthly, by varying the resistance 1616, and seventhly, by varying the relative distance between the coil 9 and plunger 20. The changes may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the in ention, or the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is 1. In a current regulator for electrical devices comprising a receptacle adapted to contain an electroconductive liquid, a pair of parallel arranged resistance elements, a plunger operable in said liquid for displacing the same to contact with the resistance elements, said liquid being movable between said resistance elements to vary the resistance in the current supply line to the electrical device, actuating means for said plunger responsive to the current supply, said means consisting of an electro-magnet, an armature in magnetic relation with said magnet, said armature being connected to said plunger for moving the latter within the liquid, and means for releasing said plunger after a predetermined movement of the armature.

2. In a current regulator for electrical devices comprising a dash pot adapted to contain an electroconductive liquid, a pair of' elongated resistance elements, said elements being substantially arcuate in cross section, insulating means for spacing the longitudinal edges of said resistance elements, and means operable within the liquid for causing said elements to be short circuited or interposed in the supply line in accordance with the current flowing to the electrical device.

3. In a current regulator for electrical devices comprising a dash pot adapted to contain an electroconductive liquid, a pair of elongated resistance elements, said elements being substantially arcuate in cross section, insulating means for spacing the longitudinal edges of said resistance elements, a pair of electrodes, each of said electrodes being adapted to project into the space between said resistance elements, a ring of conduc tive material floating on said liquid, and means operable in accordance with the fluetuation of the current supply to the electrical device for displacing said liquid and cansing the same to rise against said resistance element to short the same and vary the resistt1on. v

4. In a current re ulator for electrical devices comprising,ja ash pot adapted to contain an electroconductive liquid, a pair of elongated resistance elements, said elements being substantiall arcuate in cross section, the longitudinal e ges of said elements being insulated from each other, a pair of electrodes, said electrodes being arranged to project inwardly from the opposed resistance elements and at the top thereof, a floatable plunger operable between the said elements and within the liquid, a metallic member formed with the central opening through which the plunger is freely slidable, and electroresponsive means for moving said plunger within the liquid and between said elements, in accordance with the value of the actuatin current, the said ring being of lower specific gravity than the said liquid, so that the same will fioat thereon and when the liquid and ring rise to that extent will provide a direct connection between the electrodes.

5. In a current regulator for electrical devices comprising a shell, said shell being provided with a dash pot at its bottom, a pair of vertically disposed and longitudinally spaced resistance elements, an electroconductive liquid for normal disposition within the dash pot, a floatable plunger operable between the elements and within the dash pot and being normally adapted to float on the liquid contained therein, electroresponsive means for moving the said plunger downwardly into theliquid and causing the same to displace and move between the resistance elements in accordance with the value of the actuating current of the electrical device.

6. In a current regulator for electrical devices comprising a shell, said shell being provided with a dash pot at its bottom, a pair of vertically disposed and longitudinally spaced resistance elements, an electroconductive liquid for normal disposition within the dash pot, a floatable plunger operable between the elements and within the dash pot and being normally adapted to float on the liquid contained therein, electroresponsive means for moving the said plunger downwardly lnto the liquid and causing the same to displace and move between the resistance elements in accordance with the value of the actuating current of the electrical device, and means for releasing said depressed plunger when an increase in the actuating current occurs.

7. In a current regulator for electrical devices comprising a shell, said shell being provided with a dash pot at its bottom, a pair of vertically disposed and longitudinally spaced resistance elements, an elect-roconductive liquid for normal disposition within the dash pot, a floatable plunger operable between the elements and within the dash pot and being normally adapted to float on the liquid contained therein, eleetroresponsive means for moving the said plunger downwardly into the liquid and causing the same to displace and move between the resistance element in accordance with the value of the actuating current of the electrical device, means for releasing said depressed plunger when an increase in the actuating current occurs, said means comprising a rod adapted to be actuated by the electroresponsive means, the said floatable plunger being provided with a longitudinal bore for slidably receiving the said rod, and complementary latch means between the said plunger and rod whereby a predetermined downward movement of the rod will release the plunger and permit the same to rise between the resistance elements, and thus allow the liquid to recede for interposing the resistance elements for regulating the actuating current.

8. In a current regulator for electrical devices comprising a receptacle for containing an electro-conductive liquid, a pair of elongated resistance elements, said elements being substantially arcuate in cross section, insulating means for spacing the resistance elements, a pair of electrodes, each of said electrodes being adapted to project into the space between said resistance elements, semi-circular heads on the opposed ends of the electrodes, a ring of conductive material floatable on said liquid and adapted for bridging said heads,

and means operable in accordance with the fluctuation of the current supply to the electrical device for displacing said liquid and causing the same to rise within the receptacle against said resistance elements to short the' same and vary the resistance according to the current supply variation.

9. In a current regulator for electrical devices comprising a receptacle for containing an electro-conductive liquid, a pair of elongated resistance elements, said elements being substantially arcuate in cross section, insulating means for spacing the resistance elements, a pair of electrodes, each of said electrodes being adapted to project into the space between said resistance elements, semicircular heads on the opposed ends of the electrodes, a ring of conductive material floatable on said liquid and adapted for bridging said heads, and means operable in accordance with the fluctuation of the current supply to the electrical device for displacing said liquid and causing the same to rise within the receptacle against said resistance elements to short the same and vary the resistance according to the current supply variation, said means consisting of a plunger slidable within the receptacle and guided by the semi-circular heads on the electrodes.

10. In a current regulator for electrical devices comprising, a receptacle, a pair of spaced resistance elements arranged within said receptacle, 9. current conductive liquid in' said receptacle, a member of high electrical conductivity adapted for floating disposition on said liquid and for bridging the major distance between said elements, and means for raisin and lowering said liquid in accordance wit a fluctuating current to be regulated by the said resistance elements sothat said conductive member may bridge 10 the upper portion of the resistance element.

11. In a current regulator for electrical devices comprising, a receptacle, spaced resistance elements arranged within the receptacle and adapted for connection with an electrical device, a movable li uid column within the receptacle normally aving its top surface portion connecting the lower ends of said resistance elements, a member of high current conductive material adapted to float on said liquid, bridging the upper portions of the resistance elements. In testimony whereof I atfix my signature.

JOHN PESOUT. 

